Material & care: how to keep your balcony and garden furniture looking good for a long time
What does polyrattan garden furniture need for the winter? How do I care for fine teak or acacia garden furniture? And do I really need to look after my balcony furniture? This guide to caring for, cleaning and choosing furniture for your patio, balcony and garden provides clarity!
Content:
1. Which material for garden furniture and balcony?
2. What should be done with garden furniture over winter?
3. Garden furniture: materials and care tips at a glance
Which material to choose for garden furniture and your balcony?
With the first warm rays of spring sunshine, the desire for garden furniture and a balcony increases. There is a wide choice of materials and styles: polyrattan garden furniture with a woven surface or metal garden furniture? Do wooden or aluminum garden chairs suit my home better? It's not just about the look, but also about the maintenance. All types have their own advantages.
Balcony furniture and garden furniture made of polyrattan
Polyrattan garden furniture is made from weather-resistant poly-plastics with a woven rattan look. Real rattan is made from palm fibres and was often used for chairs and furniture in the past. However, as it is less resilient and less weather-resistant, the unique rattan look was imitated for garden furniture made of synthetic fibres. Polyrattan garden furniture is light, stylish and easy to care for: dirt can simply be removed with a damp cloth. Solvents and abrasive cleaners are a must here. This material is ideal for lounge furniture and lounge groups as well as easily movable garden furniture sets. However, polyrattan garden furniture can withstand less overall than materials such as stainless steel or wood.
Balcony furniture and garden furniture made of wood
Wood is extremely robust, natural and of high quality. Every type of wood - from teak to acacia - has its own flair. Garden furniture made of wood or teak fits perfectly into the natural surroundings of the garden, but also adds the right touch to any balcony. In many designs, however, they are somewhat more expansive than similar variants. The individual grain of teak or acacia and the high fibre density make wood perfect for garden benches and similar outdoor furniture that will beautify the garden or balcony all year round. The stability of this wooden furniture is high, but so is its own weight. Upholstered cushions are recommended for comfortable seating. In general, wood should be resealed regularly - with oils or varnishes, for example. Balcony and garden furniture made of wood requires a little more care, but with the right care and suitable oils, it can last for decades and countless winters.
Plastic balcony and garden furniture
Practical, versatile, mobile and inexpensive: plastic has proven its worth for balcony furniture in particular. Many plastic garden chairs or loungers can be folded, moved and stowed away quickly. Plastic is also the first choice for weatherproof seat cushions and seat covers. As with all plastic products, the weather and light resistance is high, while the overall service life and resilience is lower than that of materials such as metal or wood. All you need for plastic care is a little water, a brush or cloth, a garden hose or other simple cleaning aids.
Metal balcony and garden furniture
Metal balcony and garden furniture is a popular choice for seating areas with a vintage flair. A modern design lounge area on the patio also looks great with metal. Cast iron, tubular steel and similar materials lose some of their heavy weight as folding garden chairs, but retain their almost indestructible durability. Garden tables made of steel or stainless steel are extra sturdy and extremely robust. Depending on the finish and material processing, metal garden furniture does not require too much maintenance. After a few years, it may be worth giving it another coat of paint.
Aluminum balcony and garden furniture
The light metal aluminum is an ideal partner for stylish combinations with other materials such as wood, glass or polyrattan. Garden furniture sets with aluminum frames combine the durability of the metal with the beautiful look of wood. The overall weight is reduced without sacrificing the impressive design. Aluminum is ideal as a frame for garden loungers that need to be stable and comfortable, but still mobile. However, the load-bearing capacity of aluminum garden furniture is limited. On the other hand, cleaning is just as easy as with plastic.
What should be done with garden furniture over winter?
No matter what material is used for outdoor furniture it should not spend the whole year outdoors. The alternation of cold and warm, wet and dry, light and darkness is hard on even the most robust garden furniture. However, there are simple ways to optimize hibernation for the next use in the garden:
- Store out of season in a dry, well-ventilated place - wood in particular should not be exposed to large temperature fluctuations.
- Large, permanently installed garden furniture made of wood, teak or steel - such as garden benches - should be covered by a plastic protective cover before Winter begins. Good ventilation and proper care are important before covering.
- Before storing, clean rigidly with the right care and cleaning products, check for damage to the aluminum, paint or weathered wood and repair if necessary.
Garden furniture: materials and care tips at a glance
Material | Besonderheit | Pflege | Überwinterung | Look | Gewicht |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polyrattan | Vielseitig und stilvoll | Pflegeleicht | Lichtgeschützt, im Freien | Stilvoll - modern | gering |
Holz (Teak, Akazie etc.) | Hochwertig und robust | Pflegeintensiv | Bei konstanter Temperatur, innen | Zeitlos - natürlich | hoch |
Metall | Stabil und sehr langlebig | Mit Lackierung pflegeleicht | Überall, solange Lackierung intakt | Vintag - modern | hoch |
Aluminium | Leicht und stabil | Pflegeleicht | Trocken, innen | Dezent - vielseitig | gering |
Kunststoff | Günstig und vielseitig | Pflegeleicht | Lichtgeschützt, im Freien | praktisch | gering |
"Depending on the material, the right care for garden furniture should be carried out at the beginning and end of the season. It is also worth using the correct care combination after rain showers and thunderstorms:
- Wooden garden furniture should be cleaned with lukewarm soapy water and a sponge. Then wipe with water and leave to dry.
- Plastic garden furniture can be cleaned with household cleaners or washing-up liquid and water. If it is wiped dry again after cleaning, there will be no water stains.
- Metal garden furniture can be maintained in the same way as plastic versions. Dry polishing is a particularly good choice here."
